What Are The Different Types Of Pipe Fittings?
Overview
Here at Pipestock, we sell many different types of fittings, for varying applications.
We sell compression, solvent weld, threaded fittings, camlock quick-release fittings, electrofusion, pushfit, barbed fittings and even the weird & wonderful!
In this article we are going to go into further detail about each of the type of fittings that we supply, and how they can be used.
Compression
Fittings
Push-Fit
Fittings
Electrofusion
Fittings
Threaded
Fittings
Barbed
Fittings
Compression Fittings
What are compression fittings?
Here at Pipestock, we sell a complete range of compression fittings. Most commonly these are used for MDPE pipework, as well as copper fittings. Compression fittings are very simple to install and do not require soldering. This means they are great for maintenance and disassembly. We sell different fittings for both water and gas.
What are they used for?
A compression fitting is a fitting used to join two tubes or pipes together. In instances where two pipes made of differing materials are to be joined, Universal Transition Couplings (UTC) can be used. These are fit for joining PVC, Copper, ABS, Stainless Steel, Lead, Polyethylene and Galvanised Iron.
How does it work?
The compression fitting is composed of an outer compression nut and an inner compression ring (or olive). To work properly, the compression ring must be oriented correctly.
When the nut is tightened, the compression ring is compressed between the nut and the fitting; causing both ends of the compression ring to be clamped around the pipe. The result is that the compression ring seals the space between the pipe, nut, and receiving fitting, thereby forming a tight joint.
Thread sealants such as PTFE tape are unnecessary on compression fitting threads, as it is not the thread that seals the joint but rather the compression between the nut and pipe.
Push-Fit Fittings
What are push-fit fittings?
Pushfit is the new range of pipe fittings for polyethylene pipe systems from Plasson. It enables you to connect MDPE pipe to various pipe materials such as MDPE, PB, PEX and Copper. Pushfit is suitable for above and below ground use and is very easy to fit, compact and highly reliable!
What are they used for?
A pushfit fitting is a fitting used to join two tubes or pipes together. It’s design is so that no tools are required, and it completely simplifies the task at hand. Perfect for the common scenario where space is limited and speed is necessary.
How does it work?
Simply mark up the pipe and insert the liner. Then, push this pipework firmly into the fitting to create an effective grip and seal. It really is as simple as that!
See the full guide on our YouTube video...
Electrofusion Fittings
What is electrofusion and what can it be used on?
Electrofusion is a method of joining plastic pipes by using fittings with built-in electric heating elements, which are used to weld the joint together. Electrofusion fittings can be used for both water and gas. For further advice on installation, please refer to the manufacturer guidelines.
How long does it last?
If the pipe has been prepared in accordance with guidelines and the jointing process has been carried out correctly, the fitting is expected to last as long as the lifetime of the pipe system and at least 50 years.
How does it work?
The pipes to be joined are cleaned, inserted into the electrofusion fitting and a voltage is applied for a fixed time depending on the size of the pipe and fitting. The built in heater coils then melt the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe wall, which welds together to produce a very strong joint.
All of our Electrofusion fittings include a barcode label. The Electrofusion controllers, which are required for this process, come equipped with a barcode scanner. Once scanned, all the details such as temperature, voltage and time are imported into the machine and it is ready to go.
There is a huge selection of electrofusion fittings, including: couplings, tees, elbows, transition couplers to convert to a thread, flanges, reducers and even valves.
For full details on installation, please consult manufacturer guidelines.
Threaded Fittings
What materials are available?
Here at Pipestock, we sell a wide variety of threaded fittings. From plastics like PVCu, ABS and Polypropylene to metals such as Stainless Steel and Brass.
What are they used for?They are designed for mating an external (male) thread with an internal (female) thread. This allows a variety of connections and adaptors in a pipe system.
What is BSP?
British Standard Pipe (BSP) is a standard for screw threads, that has been adopted internationally, for connecting and sealing pipes and fittings.
What are the types of thread?
Two types of threads are distinguished within the BSP standard:
- Parallel (straight) threads, (also known as BSPP), have a constant diameter.
- Tapered threads, (also known as BSPT), are defined by the diameter increasing or decreasing along the length of the thread.
View all 316 Stainless Steel Threaded Fittings >
Barbed Fittings
What materials are available?
We offer a selection of barbed fittings, specifically designed for use with hose. The materials we can offer are as follows: Brass, stainless steel, polypropylene, PVCu, nylon, tefen, acetal, aluminium and more!
How does it work?
A barbed fitting, which connects flexible hose or tubing, typically has a male tapered barbed fitting.
A jubilee clip is often used in conjunction with these fittings in order to secure it firmly in place.
Due to the barbed rings, these fittings are not designed to be removed and replaced repeatedly.
What are the types of Barbed Fittings?
The most common barbed fittings are hose tails. These are male threaded on one end, and barbed on the other. They can adapt from a female threaded socket, often affixed to rigid pipe, to flexible hosing.
Other fitting types also offered are tees, elbows, couplings, y-pieces, crosses and even valves.